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Saturday, February 27, 2010

Research Paper on Smoking

Research Paper on Smoking

Recently there has been an overabundance of media coverage regarding the public's 'war on smoking.' Over the last few years, the government has begun taking vital steps towards eliminating smoking in public areas, in order to make our society a better place to live. There are many controversies surrounding the act of smoking; health issues for the smoker and those around them; the ever-heightening prices; and the social unacceptance of the act.

To begin, smoking causes serious health issues not only to the person smoking, but also those exposed to the second hand smoke. An example of a serious health risk is lung cancer. The most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States is lung cancer. Lung cancer accounts for 14% of all cancers and 28% of all cancer deaths. According to the American Lung Association, "Cigarette smoking is responsible for an estimated 87% of lung cancer deaths, or seven out of eight"( American Lung Association). Lung cancer develops when cells in the lungs multiply in an uncontrollable rate. These abnormal tissue masses are called tumors. (Lung Cancer) Lung cancer is not only a risk for the smoker, but it is also a risk for the non-smoker alike. Second-hand smoke comes from two places: smokes breathed out from the person smoking, and smoke from the end of a burning cigarette (American Lung Association). The American Lung Association goes on to say, "Second-hand smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals; 200 are poisons; 43 cause cancer" (American Lung Association). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), "Second-hand smoke has been classified as a known cause of cancer in humans" (U.S. Government). Another example of health risks originating from smoking is emphysema. The Lung Association states, "When you have emphysema, some of the air sacs deep in your lungs have been damaged" (The lung Association). The American Heritage Dictionary defines emphysema as, "A pathological condition of the lungs marked by an abnormal increase in the size of the air spaces, resulting in labored breathing and an increased susceptibility to infection" (American Heritage Dictionary). Emphysema does not develop suddenly, it comes very gradually. Years of exposure to cigarette smoke usually causes the development of emphysema.

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Secondly, prices of cigarettes have been going through a dramatic increase throughout the years. The government feels that the increase will prevent or even get people to quit smoking (Higher cigarette taxes). According to numerous studies, "the increase of cigarette taxes is one of the most effective ways to reduce smoking among both youth and adults" (Tobacco Free Kids).These studies show that every 10 percent increase in the price of cigarettes will reduce overall cigarette consumption by three to five percent and reduce youth smoking by about seven percent (Tobacco Free Kids). If cigarette prices were raised ten percent per pack nationwide, it would reduce the number of kids who become regular smokers by more than a million,